While planning travels, we often tend to miss the worthy next-door options: closer to home and around our city. There are beautiful, historical treasures you may not have given a second thought to. At Unhurried, we aim to make this discovery a delightful experience. Exploring the better sides of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, we arrange for you the perfect mix of interest-based travel and the touristy affair!
Here are some examples of tours we've done in the past. If you like any, write to us and we'll plan one for you. If you prefer a totally new tour, that can be arranged for too! Email reachus[at]unhurried[dot]in and we will hurry up and respond!
Here are some examples of tours we've done in the past. If you like any, write to us and we'll plan one for you. If you prefer a totally new tour, that can be arranged for too! Email reachus[at]unhurried[dot]in and we will hurry up and respond!
A DAY AT NANDI - BHOGANANDI TEMPLE, VILLAGE & FORTS
Nandi Hills is a popular getaway for Bangaloreans. The hills are good spot for some lovely views, birdwatching or trekking. Our tour is not just the top of the hill, but down below to the vast Bhoganandi temple that mesmerises one with its architecture and stories.
The tour starts with the Bhoganandi temple, the Nandi grama(village), Nandi Hills atop and also some snippets of heritage nuggets at Devanahalli Fort nearby (the fit ones can walk the rampart and reimagine the medieval war torn times), ancient water tanks and other quaint sights that are at home in a very rural setting, just off the modern city of Bengaluru.
The tour starts with the Bhoganandi temple, the Nandi grama(village), Nandi Hills atop and also some snippets of heritage nuggets at Devanahalli Fort nearby (the fit ones can walk the rampart and reimagine the medieval war torn times), ancient water tanks and other quaint sights that are at home in a very rural setting, just off the modern city of Bengaluru.
THE SILK ROUTE TALES - THE STORY OF SILK IN SOUTH INDIA
(Day)
A day tour is through the areas of Ramanagara and Channapatna, two towns near Bangalore famous for their cottage industries.
The Culture tour aims to take a visitor on a Silk route - from the humble silkworms, their cocoons to the markets & factories - in an effort to show the process and the diverse people behind the silk industry of South India. Do you know India produces 20% of the world’s silk? (Of course, no guesses on who is the world’s largest producer of silk).
We journey onwards to Channapatna, learn about the communities that live here and their famous handicrafts livelihood. We will visit the toys’ factories and the shops as we learn about how these colourful wooden toys are created, its journey across the changing times and the modern interpretations.
Apart from the industries, We will visit a quaint and a beautiful Sufi Dargah, a centuries old temple and return to Bangalore by evening.
The Culture tour aims to take a visitor on a Silk route - from the humble silkworms, their cocoons to the markets & factories - in an effort to show the process and the diverse people behind the silk industry of South India. Do you know India produces 20% of the world’s silk? (Of course, no guesses on who is the world’s largest producer of silk).
We journey onwards to Channapatna, learn about the communities that live here and their famous handicrafts livelihood. We will visit the toys’ factories and the shops as we learn about how these colourful wooden toys are created, its journey across the changing times and the modern interpretations.
Apart from the industries, We will visit a quaint and a beautiful Sufi Dargah, a centuries old temple and return to Bangalore by evening.
SRIRANGAPATNA & HOSAHOLALU - OF FORTS, TEMPLES AND FARMS
(DAY)
Srirangapatna, 100 km away from Bangalore, was once the capital of the powerful Mysore Kingdom. Today it is a sleepy hamlet that is dotted with some heritage monuments and the fort still stands. Walk over the fort ramparts, the centuries old temple that gives the town its name, the palace ruins, the infamous dungeons, the beautiful Summer palace (Daria Daulat). Sit by the ever soothing Kaveri River as you hear to the colourful tales of this city.
Post Lunch, we journey to Hosaholalu, a small town known for its small but exquisitely carved Hoysala temple, around which rural life exists. We visit a ninety year old home and the family who live there & walk through their farm. We also will see some village industries like a jaggery making unit if its open.
After this long satisfying tour, we return to Bangalore, for a well earned rest.
Post Lunch, we journey to Hosaholalu, a small town known for its small but exquisitely carved Hoysala temple, around which rural life exists. We visit a ninety year old home and the family who live there & walk through their farm. We also will see some village industries like a jaggery making unit if its open.
After this long satisfying tour, we return to Bangalore, for a well earned rest.
TALAKAD - SAND DUNES OF KAVERI
TALAKAD or TALAKADU – was once flourishing capital of our State [350-1000 CE]. Today it’s a charming laidback town with exquisitely carved temples, the Kaveri River and huge sand deposits.
There are more than 30 temples in the town - some in ruins, some buried in sand. But the five popular temples of the area-Vaidyanatheshwara, Pathaleshwara, Maruleshwara, Arakeshwara - are known for their sculpture.
Myths and legends abound in this region. From the famous Talakadu curse, whirlpools, the many fascinating stories - a linga that changes colours, a deity who heals himself and others who pray to him. The tour is a mix of faith, culture & charming rural landscape.
Join us on a day tour of where we time travel across centuries, the river Kaveri which changed the town’s geography, the rural landscape, silk farms and hills make this offbeat tour very alluring.
There are more than 30 temples in the town - some in ruins, some buried in sand. But the five popular temples of the area-Vaidyanatheshwara, Pathaleshwara, Maruleshwara, Arakeshwara - are known for their sculpture.
Myths and legends abound in this region. From the famous Talakadu curse, whirlpools, the many fascinating stories - a linga that changes colours, a deity who heals himself and others who pray to him. The tour is a mix of faith, culture & charming rural landscape.
Join us on a day tour of where we time travel across centuries, the river Kaveri which changed the town’s geography, the rural landscape, silk farms and hills make this offbeat tour very alluring.
DEVARAYANADURGA - A DAY OF TREK, TEMPLES AND THOTAS
Devarayanadurga is a cluster of hills located around 70 km from Bangalore. The gradual incline is an easy climb for an amateur or even a beginner. The tour starts with this unhurried trek that provides the hill fort’s stories, spectacular views of the forests below and occasional agricultural fields.
Atop is a temple for Lord Narasimha and a cluster of homes that dot the town. From here, we drive down to another laidback town of Kaidala that is associated with legendary sculptors & stone temples.
We then have lunch at an iconic eatery in Tumkur’s market lanes. Before we head back to Bangalore, we’ll visit in Mallasandra’s betel nut farms, know more about the modern farmer & his life.
Atop is a temple for Lord Narasimha and a cluster of homes that dot the town. From here, we drive down to another laidback town of Kaidala that is associated with legendary sculptors & stone temples.
We then have lunch at an iconic eatery in Tumkur’s market lanes. Before we head back to Bangalore, we’ll visit in Mallasandra’s betel nut farms, know more about the modern farmer & his life.
BELUR & HALEBIDU - A STORY SET IN STONE
The world famous Belur and Halebidu are best known for the temples with highly intricate carvings.
The twin cities were once the capital of the famous Hoysala rulers of South India, 800 -1000 years ago.
Like any other ancient Indian city, the temples act as the citadels of the local histories and of course,
beautiful works of stone art.
The temples have huge courtyards, lovely intricate carvings with many colourful stories that are
locally known about the making of these temples. The temple at Belur took more than a century to be completed! The Hoysalas are known to have patronised and nurtured renowned sculptors. The sculpting
work was not just limited to temples - near Halebidu, the most ornate of temple ponds can be seen.
On the way to Bangalore, if time permits we could take a detour to Shravanabelagola, a holy place for the Jains. A 47 feet tall statue of Bahubali, a revered Jain saint, carved out of a single block of granite stands tall among the hills.
Mull over this Jain King who is supposed to have left his entire Kingdom, worldly pleasures and even his clothes and attained Nirvana.
SRIRANGAPATNA & MYSORE - THE SOUTHERN BASTION
(Day/Overnight)
History in ruins. Fort walks. Ancient temples. Mysore Palaces. Art. Silk. Culture.
Srirangapatna, a quaint town 100 kms away from Bangalore was once the capital of the powerful Mysore Kingdom. No, the Mysore city wasn’t as important as it is now! A city which successfully kept the marauding clans, from West India, at bay. The home of a powerful 18th century ruler, Tipu sultan, who was a terror to the English. A centuries old temple that lends it name to the city and has seen it all - foundling city, glorious capital, wars and the sleepy old hamlet of today.
History aside, the city is surrounded by a monsoon fed river Kaveri, whose waters are home to crocs & a wide variety of water birds.
Head towards Mysore, the city of Palaces, silk sarees and handicrafts. We take a tour of the awesome Mysore Palace and if you want an overnight stay at Mysore, we conduct an art tour that showcases some Mysore artwork - wood inlay work and Mysore paintings.
Srirangapatna, a quaint town 100 kms away from Bangalore was once the capital of the powerful Mysore Kingdom. No, the Mysore city wasn’t as important as it is now! A city which successfully kept the marauding clans, from West India, at bay. The home of a powerful 18th century ruler, Tipu sultan, who was a terror to the English. A centuries old temple that lends it name to the city and has seen it all - foundling city, glorious capital, wars and the sleepy old hamlet of today.
History aside, the city is surrounded by a monsoon fed river Kaveri, whose waters are home to crocs & a wide variety of water birds.
Head towards Mysore, the city of Palaces, silk sarees and handicrafts. We take a tour of the awesome Mysore Palace and if you want an overnight stay at Mysore, we conduct an art tour that showcases some Mysore artwork - wood inlay work and Mysore paintings.
A VIJAYANAGARA TOUR — HAMPI AND ANEGUNDI
(Overnight)
Hampi. World Heritage City. Rocks & Ruins. Pastoral Life. Anegundi.
Anyone with a passion for history, ruins, picturesque rocks & rural life should visit Hampi & the older city, Anegundi.
At Hampi, take our Vijayanagara tour, the last Hindu empire that defended itself against the Islamic invasion of India. Its prosperity was so high that an ancient traveller once described—"the jewels that bedecked the royal horse was richer than the entire city of Paris". A cosmopolitan culture, rich in trade and natural resources, great kings - its fall was much like Rome and we hear its glory only through the old travellers’ tales.
Across the river, discover Anegundi - a picture of green fields among rockier terrain. With a story older than Hampi, it is also the holy place, Kishkinda, from the great Hindu epic Ramayana—a place fought for by the mighty monkey king Vali, in a jealous rage, with his brother Sugreeva. It’s also home to pre-historic cave drawings, rural landscape and rocky ruins.
Anyone with a passion for history, ruins, picturesque rocks & rural life should visit Hampi & the older city, Anegundi.
At Hampi, take our Vijayanagara tour, the last Hindu empire that defended itself against the Islamic invasion of India. Its prosperity was so high that an ancient traveller once described—"the jewels that bedecked the royal horse was richer than the entire city of Paris". A cosmopolitan culture, rich in trade and natural resources, great kings - its fall was much like Rome and we hear its glory only through the old travellers’ tales.
Across the river, discover Anegundi - a picture of green fields among rockier terrain. With a story older than Hampi, it is also the holy place, Kishkinda, from the great Hindu epic Ramayana—a place fought for by the mighty monkey king Vali, in a jealous rage, with his brother Sugreeva. It’s also home to pre-historic cave drawings, rural landscape and rocky ruins.
KOLAR - The Yellowstone Fever
(Day)
Gold rush. Closed Mines & mine dumps. Laidback Bungalows. Old world charm. Busy Marketplace. Nostalgic stories.
Yellowstone belt in South India - Kolar Gold Fields. The town was one of the world’s oldest gold mines in the late 19th and 20th century. The gold history of Kolar is more than 2000 years, with mining activity recorded as old as 5th century AD. By 1858, during the colonial era, systematic mining started and the license to prospect was bought by a mining company, Taylor & Sons. Very soon, a pretty little English town was set up that thrived on the Gold industry. It soon came to be known as ‘Little England’ as it mimicked an English Town with Europeans, Anglo Indians and Indian labour.
Journey through the era with the neat laidback bungalows, the mines, cyanide dumps, the labour sheds, the busy bangarpete town nearby as learn about a thriving golden era and the present day Kolar. Join us on the Kolar gold rush.
Yellowstone belt in South India - Kolar Gold Fields. The town was one of the world’s oldest gold mines in the late 19th and 20th century. The gold history of Kolar is more than 2000 years, with mining activity recorded as old as 5th century AD. By 1858, during the colonial era, systematic mining started and the license to prospect was bought by a mining company, Taylor & Sons. Very soon, a pretty little English town was set up that thrived on the Gold industry. It soon came to be known as ‘Little England’ as it mimicked an English Town with Europeans, Anglo Indians and Indian labour.
Journey through the era with the neat laidback bungalows, the mines, cyanide dumps, the labour sheds, the busy bangarpete town nearby as learn about a thriving golden era and the present day Kolar. Join us on the Kolar gold rush.
GINGEE TOUR
(Day/Overnight)
Hill Trek. Fort Ruins. Spiritual journeys. Ramana Maharishi. Ancient temples.
Trip to the Gingee Fort, which was once called ‘the most impregnable fort in India’ and the nearby Arunachala, a hallowed hill which is considered to be older than the Himalayas & is supposed to be the embodiment of Lord Shiva.
The Gingee Fort between Pondicherry and Tiruvannamalai has a magnificent military history. It has seen many rulers come and go—Shivaji who made it his southern capital, Aurangzeb who tried to seize it, the French, Tipu Sultan and the British.
The stories, hence, are as colourful as its rulers. The fort is also a good trek with some fantastic views of the remnants that act as a skeleton of its magnificent past. This trip also includes a visit to another—Arunachala—famous for its spiritual past.
Trip to the Gingee Fort, which was once called ‘the most impregnable fort in India’ and the nearby Arunachala, a hallowed hill which is considered to be older than the Himalayas & is supposed to be the embodiment of Lord Shiva.
The Gingee Fort between Pondicherry and Tiruvannamalai has a magnificent military history. It has seen many rulers come and go—Shivaji who made it his southern capital, Aurangzeb who tried to seize it, the French, Tipu Sultan and the British.
The stories, hence, are as colourful as its rulers. The fort is also a good trek with some fantastic views of the remnants that act as a skeleton of its magnificent past. This trip also includes a visit to another—Arunachala—famous for its spiritual past.
MELKOTE - Lost in the Hills
(Day)
Hill town. Ancient Temples. Picturesque views. Rice based delicacies. Ruins. Sanskrit University. Rural landscape.
Melukote or Melkote literally means upper fort. However there’s nothing military about this today. It’s known as a temple town for its small community of ‘Iyengars’, two temples, a sanskrit university and picturesque ruins.
That’s putting it in concise words. A tour is a different experience in itself. On the way to Mysore, the road detours off into a small street through sugarcane fields. Going uphill enjoy lovely countryside views of Mandya.
On the top, the town emerges as a mix of old & new architectures. Small homes, narrow lanes, awesome sweet & spicy rice dishes – the ‘Sakkare Pongal & Puliogare’ – in simple small hotels, vast temple with enchanting stories weaved around it, the quaint sanskrit college that painstakingly digitised archaic palm leaf philosophical texts & a quaint nicely preserved home of a well-known writer.
While the town appears warped in time, coming downhill, one realises that the time has just flown by. A surreal experience.
Melukote or Melkote literally means upper fort. However there’s nothing military about this today. It’s known as a temple town for its small community of ‘Iyengars’, two temples, a sanskrit university and picturesque ruins.
That’s putting it in concise words. A tour is a different experience in itself. On the way to Mysore, the road detours off into a small street through sugarcane fields. Going uphill enjoy lovely countryside views of Mandya.
On the top, the town emerges as a mix of old & new architectures. Small homes, narrow lanes, awesome sweet & spicy rice dishes – the ‘Sakkare Pongal & Puliogare’ – in simple small hotels, vast temple with enchanting stories weaved around it, the quaint sanskrit college that painstakingly digitised archaic palm leaf philosophical texts & a quaint nicely preserved home of a well-known writer.
While the town appears warped in time, coming downhill, one realises that the time has just flown by. A surreal experience.
TIPU SULTAN TRAIL — The lair of the Tiger of Mysore
(Day)
|
Tipu Sultan. Forts. Palaces. Temples. Ruins. Bangalore. Srirangapatna.
Historians and common people alike have a love-hate relationship with Tipu Sultan. One's travel to Bangalore would never be complete without tracing the footsteps of the Sultan, who has left many a mark on the city's future, seen even today.
We trace our journey of Tipu from the far edge of Bangalore city, at a medieval fort of Devanahalli. A small enclosed pillar close by marks the birthplace of Tipu Sultan.
The other main presence of the Sultan was at his Summer Palace, which is the most popular of his heritage in Bangalore, though what remains is only a portion of a bigger complex. Close by is the fort gate which was breached by the English to break the defences of the Sultan fort by fort.
Of course, the tour ends at his lair, his capital Srirangapatna, a sleepy laidback city today, a far cry from the capital of the Tiger of Mysore. While the physical remains of Tipu Sultan's life are dilapidated, the tales remain, as lively as it can ever be.
Historians and common people alike have a love-hate relationship with Tipu Sultan. One's travel to Bangalore would never be complete without tracing the footsteps of the Sultan, who has left many a mark on the city's future, seen even today.
We trace our journey of Tipu from the far edge of Bangalore city, at a medieval fort of Devanahalli. A small enclosed pillar close by marks the birthplace of Tipu Sultan.
The other main presence of the Sultan was at his Summer Palace, which is the most popular of his heritage in Bangalore, though what remains is only a portion of a bigger complex. Close by is the fort gate which was breached by the English to break the defences of the Sultan fort by fort.
Of course, the tour ends at his lair, his capital Srirangapatna, a sleepy laidback city today, a far cry from the capital of the Tiger of Mysore. While the physical remains of Tipu Sultan's life are dilapidated, the tales remain, as lively as it can ever be.
TEMPLES' TRAIL - Shiva, the Cosmic Power
(Day)
Temple. Architecture. Ancient. Vast. Spiritualism. Shiva.
The temples of India are the backbones of Indian history, spiritualism and architecture.
Visit two such ancient vast temples - the Bhoganandishwara and Veerabhadra - a few hours out of Bangalore. Elaborate structures in stone, carvings of Indian mythologies, brightly coloured devotees, the occasional clanging of the bell, the tour takes one through a journey of 1000 years.
Bhoganandishwara is huge temple complex with its earliest history dating to 806 AD. It is known for its different styles of architecture across different eras with a huge temple tank beside the complex & surrounded by a vast compound.
Veerabhadra temple of Lepakshi was the work of two governors of South Indian empire, Vijayanagara, around roughly 500 years back. The temple has lovely carvings and is known for its mythological murals & floral patterns.
Built across centuries, the temples are different yet uniquely similar; vast, living temples with many tales to tell. The tour also explores the theme of Shiva & the Hindu symbolisms attached to customs & traditions in a temple.
The temples of India are the backbones of Indian history, spiritualism and architecture.
Visit two such ancient vast temples - the Bhoganandishwara and Veerabhadra - a few hours out of Bangalore. Elaborate structures in stone, carvings of Indian mythologies, brightly coloured devotees, the occasional clanging of the bell, the tour takes one through a journey of 1000 years.
Bhoganandishwara is huge temple complex with its earliest history dating to 806 AD. It is known for its different styles of architecture across different eras with a huge temple tank beside the complex & surrounded by a vast compound.
Veerabhadra temple of Lepakshi was the work of two governors of South Indian empire, Vijayanagara, around roughly 500 years back. The temple has lovely carvings and is known for its mythological murals & floral patterns.
Built across centuries, the temples are different yet uniquely similar; vast, living temples with many tales to tell. The tour also explores the theme of Shiva & the Hindu symbolisms attached to customs & traditions in a temple.
SCHOOL PROGRAMMES
All our tours can be customised as an age-suitable service for school children. As part of a trip, or independently as an outdoor history lesson, each of our tours can be taken.
Unhurried also offers in-class seminars and workshops on history and heritage in schools.
Please write to poornima@unhurried.in or reachus@unhurried.in for more details.
Unhurried also offers in-class seminars and workshops on history and heritage in schools.
Please write to poornima@unhurried.in or reachus@unhurried.in for more details.
Image Credits
1. Image 3 , is a derivative of Philanthrophist1 used under CC BY-SA 3.0
2. Image 6 associated with the description of Gingee tour, Sanjay Sivadas
1. Image 3 , is a derivative of Philanthrophist1 used under CC BY-SA 3.0
2. Image 6 associated with the description of Gingee tour, Sanjay Sivadas
